Early starts and late nights are pretty much a given during the hectic schedule that is New Zealand Fashion Week. With its diverse array of shows, installations, lunches and after parties, the need for a reliable companion becomes paramount. Whether that takes the form of a trusty tote or an elegant clutch, a well-chosen handbag is an indispensable accessory during such weeks. Beyond its ability to provide the finishing touch to an already stellar ensemble, it also serves as a vessel for keeping an assortment of essentials on hand. As our team coordinates their itineraries and plans their outfits, one question remains: what does an FQ editor carry in their handbag during fashion week?
Here’s what they said:
Sarah Murray, Editor-in-chief
Yu Mei Scrunchie Vi in ‘Day Blue’, $619.
With a short ‘scunchie’ handle and a longer one, this works perfectly as a clutch or a cross body.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $118, from Smith & Caughey’s.
For me this foundation is light and easy to apply. It melts into the skin providing coverage but also lets your skin shine through.
Kosas Revealer concealer, $54, from Mecca.
A light concealer that you can easily reapply throughout the day.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in ‘Pillow Talk’, $59, from Mecca.
Just my absolute favourite lipstick at the moment. I wear it most days, and currently am using a darker liner to accentuate the lip line.
Montblanc Notebook #146, $120.
I would be lost without my Montblanc notebook to write down notes. Because it’s bright green it’s easy to find in the depth of a big bag, but equally brightens up any desk.
Mother Earth Roasted and Salted Cashews.
If I have a big day I’ll often take some cashews with me when I need an on-the-go snack.
The Virtue Holy Smoke Parfum 10ml, $69.
The Virtues Holy Smoke (10ml) this pint sized pick fits in any bag/pocket. I adore the rich cinnamon bark, clove and tonka bean mix.
Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, $715, from Superette.
I wear my Bottega Veneta sunglasses most days – so I wouldn’t go to Fashion Week without them. They’re the kind of choice that seem to go with everything…
July Power Bank.
I used various iterations of a charging bank over the years and most barely charge your phone – however upon a top influencer-backed recommendation I’m ordering the July one asap. Let’s just hope it arrives in time…
Louise Dunn, Digital editor
Georgia Jay Torta in Chalk, $650.
Don’t let its fair hue fool you, this is one of the most low-maintenance bags in my modest repertoire. It has a soft and buttery leather, and slings under your shoulder easily while offering a deceptive amount of storage.
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask, $52, from Mecca.
Few products can infuse my lips with long-lasting hydration like the Tatcha lip mask. Between coffees, cocktails, and conversations, this little beauty is going to be doing overtime for NZFW.
Guerlain Terracotta Luminizer, $110, from Smith & Caughey’s.
This long-wearing powder works like a second skin to warm up my complexion and adds a sweep of shimmer – ideal to apply between shows for a fresh look-alive appearance.
La Mer The Eye Concentrate, $465, from Mecca.
For when I need to fool people into believing I’ve had a full eight hours the night before.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla, $58, from Mecca.
I’m all for practicality. I subbed in this reliable, blendable, and buildable concealer earlier this year when I couldn’t replace a Givenchy rendition – and I have no temptation to look back.
An Organised Life 2023 A5 Daily Planner, $65.
Despite being digital editor, I still go back to a trusty pen and paper to document any clever quips or revelations post-presentation to revisit later. Since An Organised Life closed its doors, this will be my last fashion week with the iconic diary in tow.
Abel Odor Cyan Nori, 15ml, $140.
With hints of plant-derived musk, and punchy notes of tangerine and peach for a salty, deep-sea dry-down, this fragrance carries me from morning to evening with ease.
Prada Symbole sunglasses in Camel Beige, $740.
I’ve never been particularly precious about sunglasses; I need to be able to fold them and throw them into my bag with next to no care. I bought these when I was in Milan in 2022 and continue to thrash them (even if everyone practically has them now).
BePure InnerStrength, $69.
In a bid to curve burnout, I reach for vitamins to keep me afloat. And there’s no brand I trust more than BePure to see me through.
Avene Eau Thermale, 50ml, $13, from Life Pharmacy.
More make-up than usual can often increase my skin’s sensitivity. This mist has been my go-to for more than a decade. I recommend it to everyone.
Amberley Colby, Editorial assistant
Brie Leon Everyday Croissant Bag, $274.
On days where I’m out for long periods of time and need to carry a range of things, this bag is my absolute go to. Not only is it chic and complements just about any look, but it can fit all of my essentials and then some.
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in ‘Cherry’, $70.
I generally err towards gloss over lipstick, and this Dior one is a staple in my repertoire. Non-sticky, pigmented, hydrating and shiny all at once, this is my hack to the perfect pout.
M.A.C Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in ‘Thanks, it’s M.A.C!’, $47.
For those moments where I do feel I need a little extra something, I love layering this sheer nude lipstick over my aforementioned gloss. It’s lightweight and ever-so-slightly pearlescent, but not over-the-top.
Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer, $56, from Sephora.
Sadly, the bags under these eyes aren’t Prada, which means a good concealer is a must during a long day of shows. A little goes a long way with this one, so I like keeping one on hand in case I’m in need of a little reviving.
Kikki K Skyline Notebook, $38.
With my phone as my calendar, I keep this trusty notebook in my arsenal for scribbling down copious notes throughout the week.
Serious Food Co Sea Salt popcorn.
When the urge to snack arises, a little crunchy sodium hit usually does the trick.
Curio Noir Pablo 4ml Pocket Parfum, $50.
With its creamy, smokey and sophisticated scent profile, this mini pocket parfum takes me from day to night with ease.
Lu Goldie Aurelie sunglasses, $129, from Ruby.
Less is more for me when it comes to glasses, so I adore the simplicity of these semi-classic cat eye frames.
Tangle Teezer Original, $25.95, from Farmers.
This mane needs maintenance, so you’ll never catch me anywhere without a hair brush.
Find out more about NZFW and see the schedule here.
